Tapping into mathematics

Do you have a graphics or scientific calculator? If so, this unit will help you to...

Do you have a graphics or scientific calculator? If so, this unit will help you to understand the different functions and facilities available. With a focus on arithmetic, you will learn what a powerful tool this type of calculator can be.

By the end of this unit you should have:

started to become familiar with your scientific or graphics calculator and its use in investigating everyday problems;

developed good practice in relation to calculator use;

be able to use your calculator for the following:

arithmetic involving the operations of +, −, ×, ÷ and the use of brackets;

squaring and square rooting numbers;

reciprocals and powers of numbers;

calculations involving percentages, large and small numbers, scientific notation and ;

be able to understand the concepts of a mathematical function and its inverse (doing and undoing), rounding answers appropriately, fixing the number of decimal places displayed by a calculator, storing numbers in a calculator memory.

Tapping into mathematics

Introduction

This module is designed for students who have a graphics or scientific calculator. It gives some examples from the TI-84. So if you have a different calculator, some things may be a little different and you may need to consult your instruction booklet. There is a lot to learn about any calculator and it may take you some time to get to know how to use its many facilities. This module focuses on using it to do arithmetic. Even in this limited role, you will find it a powerful tool with many advantages. Depending upon your previous experience using a calculator, this module may take you more or less time than others.

Although this unit uses the TI-84 calculator in its examples, you should still be able to complete this unit by using any other graphic or scientific calculator.

This material is from our archive and is an adapted extract from Open mathematics (MU120), which is no longer taught by The Open University. If you want to study formally with us, you may wish to explore other courses we offer in this subject area [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] .

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